FAQs

About UK House and Commonwealth Business Forum

What events do you have taking place; how do I find out about them?

During Birmingham 2022, the UK Government will host a number of events over the period of the games covering different themes and industries. UK House is a platform to bring together businesses and governments to discover opportunities for partnership and innovations for sustainable growth. Building on the cooperative spirit of the Commonwealth Games and the UK’s climate leadership at COP26, UK House is a forum for an exclusive in person and virtual audience of businesses and government officials from around the world. See our UK House section for more information.

We are also hosting the Commonwealth Business Forum. World class business leaders from the 54 countries of the Commonwealth will gather to discuss green investment opportunities, broker future business relationships and discuss how to mutually support each other as we transition to net zero. This is a closed event and is invite only.

when is the commonwealth business forum?

The Commonwealth Business Forum will be taking place on Thursday 28 July 2022.

What dates will UK House be open?

The UK House will open from 28 July until 8 August 2022. 

Do I have to register for an event and how do I do this?

All events require you to register your interest ahead of time, both for the in-person activites and the virtual audiences. You can register your interest on our registration page

I understand that the Commonwealth Business Forum and UK House events are part of the Commonwealth Games Business and Tourism Programme. Can you tell me more about the wider programme?

Please refer to our Commonwealth Games Business and Tourism Programme page for more information.

lOCATION AND HOW TO GET HERE

Where is UK House?

UK House is located at The Exchange, Birmingham, B1 2DR

Where is The Commonwealth Business Forum taking place?

The International Convention Centre, Broad St, Birmingham B1 2EA - opposite UK House. 

hOW DO i GET TO THE VENUE?

You can find out how to get to our venues on our Venue and Travel page.

Accessibility and facilities

What facilities are available for delegates at the Commonwealth Business Forum?

You will find wheelchair-accessible toilets throughout the ICC, located on levels 2 and 3 of the Mall.

What facilities are available to delegates at UK House?

You will find wheelchair-accessible toilets throughout UK House, located on the Ground, First and Second Floors.

Will there be a cloakroom available?

Yes, there will be a cloakroom at Commonwealth Business Forum and UK House, however due to limited capacity please refrain from bringing large items such as suitcases.

What provisions are made for delegates with accessibility requirements?

Commonwealth Business Forum

The ICC is accessible to wheelchair users via both ramps and lifts. Tactile signage is also fitted in the majority of lifts.

There will be a hearing loop available in selected halls within the venue if required.

Assistance and emotional support dogs are welcome on site. The ICC does not have a spending pen on site so building users are encouraged to be responsible for their dog at all times and keep the animal on a short lead.

If you have any additional accessibility needs, including requiring temporary access to a parking space for arrival and departure please e-mail reply@cwgbusinessforum2022.co.uk with your enquiry.


UK House

The main entrance to UK House has ramps and stair access. There are 3 passenger lifts on site. These are located in 3 corners of the building at the southeast, southwest and northwest.

There will be a hearing loop available in the different rooms within the venue if required.

Assistance and emotional support dogs are welcome on site. The Exchange does not have a spending pen on site so building users are encouraged to be responsible for their dog at all times and keep the animal on a short lead.

If you have any additional accessibility needs, including requiring temporary access to a parking space for arrival and departure please e-mail hello@ukhouse2022.co.uk with your enquiry.

sECURITY AND BAGS

Will there be security checks when attending the venues?

Information will be provided in joining instructions which you will receive prior to the event.

Do I need to bring ID will be to attend an in-person event?

Any logistical information about attending an event will be provided in joining instructions which you will receive prior to the event.

Do I need any accreditation to attend an event?

You will need to bring your confirmation email and photo ID when you arrive at the sign in desk. You will then be given a badge which allows you access to the event.

Can I bring a bag into the event?

Unless otherwise stated, delegates are allowed to bring bags but we reserve the right to search any bags as a condition of entry into our venues. More information will be provided in your joining instructions prior to the event.
 

Additional FAQs

Press

I am a member of the press, can I register to attend?

There are opportunities to attend some events at UK House. Please register your interest and ensure you select that you are a member of the media if you would like to request access to UK House. 

Covid-19

What is your Covid-19 guidance?

You can find out more information about how we are keeping our visitors safe below.

COVID-19 GUIDANCE


We want to ensure everyone at our events feels safe and welcomed. To keep our visitors safe, we will be enacting a ‘safety first’ policy when it comes to COVID-19.  If you feel unwell or test positive for COVID-19, we ask that you please do not attend the event.

WHAT WE’RE DOING TO KEEP VISITORS SAFE

COVID-19 is still part of our lives. But we don’t want it to stop people from enjoying the Games to their fullest.

There will be anti-bacterial hand sanitiser available across all of our sites, and plenty of access to handwashing facilities.

If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, we’d encourage you to do so. They are not mandatory but will play an important part in keeping visitors safe.

For the latest information and Government guidelines, please see below.

    How is Covid-19 affecting the BATP? 

    • The programme has been designed to support post-pandemic economic recovery and deliver a lasting economic legacy from the Games.

    • The impact of Covid-19 has been extensively considered when developing the programme, but BATP activity will be subject to changes driven by the pandemic – for instance, a greater focus on digital engagement.
    • The BATP’s economic modelling has taken into account the pandemic’s ongoing impact on the global tourism, trade and investment landscape.

    The number of coronavirus cases is still rising in the UK – will it be safe for tourists and investors to visit?

    • The BATP programme will adhere to, and align with, government guidance in all of the markets we’re targeting Due to the long lead time in making investment decisions, it is critical for us to engage with businesses across the Commonwealth now, so that Birmingham, the West Midlands and UK are seen as leading investment destinations as travel restrictions ease.
    • As of 19 July, following the final lifting of Covid-19 restrictions by the UK government, the West Midlands is taking a sensible, considered, careful approach to ensure its staff and visitors at tourism and hospitality venues are kept as safe as possible.

    Given the cancellation and postponement of high-profile sporting events in 2020 and 2021, will the Commonwealth Games still go ahead this year? And what happens if it’s cancelled?

    • We are still working towards the Commonwealth Games being held in Birmingham next year, from 28th July 2022.
    • In a previous statement from BATP: “The Organising Committee for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has confirmed it remains confident that the event is still scheduled to take place as planned. We are continuing to work together to maximise the economic benefits that the profile of the Games will bring to the region, and the UK.” 

    Thanks to our partners and sponsors